Downs starts for Astros today as playing time waxes

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This was not an obvious solution to getting Matt Downs more playing time, as manager Brad Mills suggested on Friday, but it is a solution.

Downs, the prolific pinch-hitter whom the Astros want to get in more games, will start at shortstop today in place of Clint Barmes. This will be just Downs’ second career start at the infield’s premium defensive position, compared to 39 at second base, eight at third base and one at first base.

The righthanded hitter is batting .282 this year with a .387 on-base percentage and a .577 slugging percentage.